Sports fans will be required to wear face masks at all times while watching matches when they return to stadiums, it has emerged.
Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers has confirmed that the details will be set out in a code of conduct, which is due to be published in a number of days.
Unless there’s a specific reason someone can’t wear a mask, it will be mandatory that spectators will have to wear face coverings, even at Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.
Minister Chambers said this follows similar protocol in the UK and elsewhere for spectators.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, a leading immunologist said he believes although the move will do no harm, but there is no need once outdoors.
Professor Paul Moynihan said: “It won’t do any harm but if you look at it from a risk perspective, the risk there is very low.
“These stadiums aren’t going to be at full capacity, you’ll likely be with your family bubble and social distance.
“It’s one of those situations where we’re looking at relative risk and we’re not good at differentiating between low and high risk - this is low risk.
“I can see in this case the precautionary principle you’re not doing harm but is there a need? I’m not so sure.
“There’s no need.”
It has also been revealed that fans will have to show up at a certain time at a venue as well as have their personal details linked to a ticket for contact tracing purposes for 28 days.
